Solar Cell Module Reflectors for Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar cell modules face inefficiencies due to limited light reflection and distribution, particularly between and around individual solar cells, which affects overall energy harvesting capacity.
Innovation Solution
The solar cell module incorporates a design with first and second reflectors positioned between and around solar cells, featuring uneven protrusions and valleys on their surfaces to enhance light reflection and distribution, along with a front transparent substrate and encapsulants for protection and moisture prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solar cell modules are used without additional reflectors, then the structure is simple, but light reflection and distribution are limited, reducing energy harvesting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reflectors as intermediary elements positioned between and around solar cells to redirect and distribute light. These reflectors act as mediators that capture light that would otherwise be lost and redirect it to solar cell surfaces, thereby improving energy harvesting efficiency without fundamentally changing the solar cell structure itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds reflectors in spatial dimensions around and between solar cells, transforming the light interaction from a two-dimensional surface phenomenon to a three-dimensional volumetric phenomenon. This dimensional expansion allows light to be reflected from multiple angles and paths, increasing the effective light capture area and improving overall energy harvesting
2Productivity
If smooth reflector surfaces are used, then manufacturing is easier, but light distribution is insufficient, limiting energy harvesting improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating uneven portions with different heights and inclinations at specific locations on the reflector surface. These localized variations in surface topology are strategically positioned to optimize light reflection angles and distribution patterns, ensuring that light is effectively directed toward solar cell surfaces while maintaining reasonable manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved or inclined surfaces on the uneven portions of the reflectors rather than flat surfaces. These curved geometries help to scatter and distribute light more effectively across multiple angles, improving light distribution to solar cells while the curvature can be achieved through conventional molding or forming processes
3Area of stationary object
If solar cells are arranged closely together, then space utilization is improved, but light reflection between cells is reduced, affecting energy harvesting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions reflectors in the gaps and spaces between closely arranged solar cells, using these intermediary elements to bounce light from one cell toward adjacent cells. This allows the system to maintain high space utilization while still achieving effective light distribution through the reflective mediation in the inter-cell spaces
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design significantly improves light incidence on solar cells, increasing energy harvesting efficiency and durability by ensuring effective light reflection and distribution across the module.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflector disposed in a first space between the plurality of solar cells included in each string, which are separated from one another in the first direction corresponding to a longitudinal direction of the each string, the first reflector reflecting incident light, and a second reflector disposed in a second space between the plurality of strings, which are separated from one another in a second direction crossing the first direction, the second reflector reflecting incident light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A solar cell module is discussed, which includes a plurality of strings (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4) each including a plurality of solar cells (CE), which are connected in series to one another through an interconnector (IC), a front transparent substrate (FG) disposed on front surfaces of the plurality of strings, a first encapsulant (EC1) disposed between the front transparent substrate and the front surfaces of the plurality of strings, a first reflector (RF1) disposed in a first space between the plurality of solar cells included in each string, which are separated from one another in a first direction (x) corresponding to a longitudinal direction of each string, and a second reflector (RF2) disposed in a second space between the plurality of strings, which are separated from one another in a second direction (y) crossing the first direction. The first and second reflectors reflect incident light.